Toothfish pirates reducing the plunder, figures show

New data shows a dramatic drop in pirate fishing for Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish.

The information was presented at the annual meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources in Hobart.

New Zealand is one of 24 member nations.

Estimates show that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing within the area regulated by the commission has decreased by 75 per cent, from 10,235.85 tonnes last year to 2665.18 tonnes this year.

Main importers of the toothfish are Japan and the United States, where a sashimi-grade fish can cost as much as US$1000 ($1462).

Ministry of Fisheries senior management adviser Jim Cornelius said New Zealand and Australia were among the most vigilant member nations in enforcing catch regulations in their economic zones.

Illegal vessels were tracked and confiscated, and hefty fines were imposed on pirates.

"We have intensive management inside our zone. Maintaining sustainable harvest levels is critical.

"All fishing vessels have permits and Ministry of Fisheries or independent observers on board."

- NZPA